I am psyching myself out... someone smack some sense into me

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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So I am starting college as a brand new student. I am a little late to the game- I graduated from high school in 2003. I work full time where I make pretty good money but after having my daughter a year ago, I decided that being a good role model to her means to show her to pursue to do something rewarded and truly will make you happy. For me, nursing was it.

Here's the issue I am having: I start class on Monday 8/19. I have not written a paper in probably 12 years (my Senior classes were a breeze and did very little work). I haven't taken a math class (my worst subject) in 11 years. Science? Ha! Talking 13 years! My classes this semester are English 1A, Elementary Algebra, and Biology. I am so scared that I won't remember simple things and will fall behind in the class. I am already putting my husband and daughter through a lot by me taking on so much, I don't want to let them down and screw myself over getting into a nursing program in a couple years.

I think I need some inspiration from my fellow late 20's and beyond friends who started very late to the game that were able to pick up like they came from high school. What did you do to get that student mind set back? Did you also juggle a full time job and home/mommy duties? I don't have any friends that are doing this along with me so I don't have anyone close that can relate to what I'm feeling.

Wow I sound pretty whiny don't I? ;)

I was out of school from 1987, I was a horrible student. Started college classes in 2010 at age 40. I am now a very serious student with very good grades. I have 2 semesters left for a 4 year ADN...lol. Can't wait to start my BSN . If you have decided to commit to this then you can do it ! Good luck!

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Wow... all of you are very inspiring and I really needed to hear all of that. I do hope that my age and life experiences give me an advantage than the 17/18 year old me.

I am really blown away with the positive words, experiences, and advice you all have given me. I feel ready to get this started!!!!

Besides, I have the ultimate motivation... my daughter's sweet face.

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You can do it! And congrats on getting back on the game! I also graduated hs in 03, and 10 years later, this summer just finished my ADN for RN. I had a couple of my classmates over 50 yrs.

Your advantage is you are more mature and have a clear goal, and you are realistic on the time it will take you to complete pre-reqs. Good luck to you!!

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I started nursing school at 28 (pre recs not the nursing classes themselves). Its not as bad as your getting yourself to believe. The key is discipline. They WILL cover the stuff you need, you just need to commite to the studying. The other major thing is if you are feeling overwhelmed or falling behind DONT WAIT. I repeate DO NOT WAIT until the end of symester to get help.

I tutored all through nursing and all the time we would get people coming in 2 weeks before there final and they would state "I have to get a 95% on this test to pass my class, can you help me". Guess what, NO we cant make miracles (well maybe but for the most part no).

So i guess my long winded advice, dont over worry there is help out there if you needed it and hopefully you understand that for the most part dedication to studying is the key to success (for the most part).

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Specializes in Hospice.

I started pre reqs at age 47, will be 50 when my nursing classes start this month. I too am a horrible math student but somehow still managed to get an A in Math for Allied Health, so instead of the negative feedback I give myself (i.e., you suck at math, you always have, you can't do this!) I say "You can do this, you've proven you can do it!" At first it was a struggle getting into the groove, because life happens and can distract you. Especially once you have all the responsibilities of home and family and work. But once you start the process your brain remembers how to study and prepare. Just GO TO CLASS. That was the hardest part for me in my pre reqs at first. That was when I found I would struggle (if I missed a class). That is not an option in NS. In regular classes if you don't show up you can muddle through anyway. Not so much in NS. Good luck, and keep that sense of humor!!! :yes:

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I am 27, this is my second semester back. I withdrew from college the first time around in 2005. Had two kids, and divorced. Like others said take advantage of free tutoring when available, sciences almost always have open lab times, and there are a ton of online resources to help. I also email my professors and advisor as needed. My major advantage with being older, I am not afraid to ask questions in class at all. If I don't get it, I ask. When I was younger I would have never asked. Now my comprehension means more than doing well, it means getting a degree I need and want. Also as hard as some material is for me, I'm shocked at how much comes back. When we did chemistry in A&P it was easy because I remembered enough from high school. You will do well!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ICU.

I totally commend you for going back to school. I am only 25 but I know what you're doing and what it takes to be an amazing student. I believe you can do this. Make sure your hubby knows you're gonna need his support through all of this. I honestly believe that if I didn't have the support of my amazing boyfriend I wouldn't be where I am right now. You got this. Don't let the fact that its been a while hinder you from being great I'm sure your school has plenty of resources to help you be an awesome student.

1. Find a math center, math tutor, or math teacher willing to assist with math work.

2. Find a writing center, writing papers in college is a whole new ball game from high school. Be prepared

3. Find a place just for you to study. Don't make it some place where you are easily accessible. It does not help you at all.

4. Relax YOU GOT THIS!!!!

GOOD LUCK

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I feel your pain. I dropped out of high school in 10th grade and went for my LPN 10 years later. I remember trying to study for the TEAS test and thinking I didn't have a chance. Finished LPN school and am now looking at going for my RN. I found it helped to figure out my learning style. Edutopia has a free quiz to help you figure out your learning style and how to use it. I also used youtube to figure out how to write papers in APA format since I had no idea how. Loved cites like Quizlet and Cram.com, lots of people share flashcards on there, since in nursing school there isn't really enough time to make all the flashcards you want to and still study them. For the basics, KhanAcademy is great, as is ck12.org. Very helpful websites for brushing up on math and science. Hang in there and don't get discouraged, you're going to do great!

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, madelynsmom:

I turned 50 this past May. At that time, I've been out of school since 1984 (1983 to 1984 was business school; 1981 to 1982 was a year at college). Since then, no term papers, class participation, etc.

This past June 18th I went to a local community college to work on my prerequisites for a nursing program. While I was nervous, and had to deal with major anxiety (at the end of the first week, I was a mess), God got me over the hurdle, and two more classes were added come July 1st. It was hard work, but thanks to Jesus, I made it through.

There are many more who came before me who started out much older than 50. If we can do it, you who are younger can also do it.

Start slow, add on to the load, remember it is ok to drop classes or withdraw from classes if you need to do so. Fine your pace, then keep it.

You can do it.

Thank you.

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Besides, I have the ultimate motivation... my daughter's sweet face.

I went back to college a few years ago at 34 and haven't looked back yet. It is odd/awkward to be older than most of your classmates, but in the end they are having the same experience (albeit a bit younger) you are and share the same issues and fears. I've even developed some strong friends these last few semesters and we just look past the age issue; I'm just a big kid stuck in a 37 year old body!

Plus, if I would have gone down this path in my early '20s, I would have never learned anything and most likely just wasted money.

And, like yourself, my chief motivation is looking into my toddlers eyes. She even helped me in a few of my classes by holding the flash cards (and at times attempting to eat them)!

Hang in there.. its totally doable and I'm quite sure you'll do awesome!

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Being scared and nervous can be a good thing. If you channel that energy right, you'll do awesome and prepare yourself. Just don't overwhelm yourself. It's all manageable and do-able. Good luck!

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Oh also, I found I did so much better in school after I had my son. I HAD to manage my time right and had much more a drive to do well so I could provide a good life him :)

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